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Bentley's ultimate Grand Tourer completes vehicle development

With the major pre-production milestone completed, Bentley will now commence the build process for the limited run of 18 Batur customer cars, each meticulously handcrafted with bespoke craftsmanship. With a projected completion date at the end of 2024, these exclusive vehicles will epitomise the pinnacle of Bentley's luxury and personalisation.

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With the major pre-production milestone completed, Bentley will now commence the build process for the limited run of 18 Batur customer cars, each meticulously handcrafted with bespoke craftsmanship. With a projected completion date at the end of 2024, these exclusive vehicles will epitomise the pinnacle of Bentley's luxury and personalisation.

Despite the exclusive production run of just 18 vehicles, Bentley’s Batur must be tested extensively before it can meet Bentley's rigorous standards, after 58 weeks of torturous testing for two development vehicles, Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero, that phase of the development process has been completed.

This included over 30,000 kilometers of real-world driving in diverse conditions, as well as tests on handling tracks, high-speed performance exceeding 200 mph, and rough surfaces. Additionally, the Batur endured 600 hours of solar loading, equivalent to five years of exposure in an Arizona desert, to validate the durability of its sustainable materials.

Distinctive Development Vehicles:

Car Zero, the original development Batur, showcased the same meticulous craftsmanship as the 18 customer cars. Its exterior finish, known as Purple Sector, featured a bespoke design with various elements finished in high gloss natural fiber. The Gloss Dark Titanium matrix grille incorporated contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern, transitioning from Purple Sector in the center to Black Crystal at the periphery. The vehicle also boasted Satin Titanium finishes on the 'endless bonnet' line and 22" wheels, featuring Gloss and Satin Black Crystal spokes.

Engineering Car Zero-Zero, the second development Batur, sported an equally striking Marina Teal finish. Its bespoke design elements, including unique LED headlamp units, underwent rigorous durability tests, including a 2,500 km European tour and high-speed testing. Overall, more than 800 one-off components were meticulously tested and proved during 160 weeks of intensive development work.

Unprecedented Power:

The Batur is powered by Bentley's renowned W12 engine, which has evolved over the years to become more powerful, refined, and efficient. With a peak output of 750 metric horsepower, it stands as Bentley's most potent W12 powertrain ever built, making the Batur the most powerful Bentley to date. The engine underwent extensive development over 100 weeks, encompassing modifications to the air intake system, turbochargers, intercoolers, and calibrations for engine, transmission, and electronic stability control. The engine's awe-inspiring performance is complemented by advanced chassis specifications, including Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering, and torque vectoring.

Unparalleled Individuality:

The Batur represents a new era of coachbuilding, offering customers an unprecedented level of individuality. Mulliner, Bentley's bespoke division, leveraged advanced technologies and sustainable materials, such as natural fibres and Additive Manufactured Gold, to provide customers with limitless options for personalization. Even the smallest details, such as the 18ct yellow gold options for the Charisma Dial and Organ Stop air vent control, underwent rigorous testing, including thermal loading and resistance to sun cream.

With all 18 examples of the Batur already reserved, Bentley is set to embark on the co-creation process with each customer. Guided by Mulliner's in-house design team, customers will have the opportunity to specify the colour and finish of nearly every surface of their unique Batur. Each car will be meticulously handcrafted over the coming months at Mulliner's workshop located in Bentley's carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England. The process is expected to take approximately four months per vehicle, ensuring the highest level of attention to detail and craftsmanship.

With the forthcoming production of the 18 customer cars, Bentley continues to set new standards in luxury automotive design, allowing discerning customers to own a truly bespoke masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Bentley’s engineering and personalisation.